GEAR UP Site Coordinator - Sullivan County

East Tennessee State University•Johnson City, TN

52d

About The Position

The GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) Partnership is funded by the US Department of Education to increase the college-going rate of low-income secondary school students in LEA. GEAR UP provides training and support for administrators and teachers at partner schools to enhance preparation for postsecondary education. Immediate supervision will be provided by the LEA District Liaison in coordination with the GEAR UP Partnership Associate Director. This is a full-time position that is contingent upon external funding. The Site Coordinator manages daily implementation of GEAR UP services at the assigned school site or sites serving Sullivan County. This position supports students, families, and staff by coordinating tutoring, mentoring, college visits, and workshops that promote academic achievement and college readiness. The Site Coordinator coordinates and implements GEAR UP services at the school site or sites to promote student academic achievement, college readiness, and career exploration. The position develops and maintains positive relationships with students, parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators. Additional responsibilities include organizing and facilitating tutoring, mentoring, college visits, family workshops, and enrichment activities. The Site Coordinator monitors student academic progress, attendance, and participation in GEAR UP services and maintains accurate records, data, and documentation required for grant compliance and reporting. The position assists with scheduling guest speakers, workshops, and professional development activities and communicates regularly with parents or guardians to encourage family involvement in student success. The Site Coordinator collaborates with school staff to integrate GEAR UP services into the academic setting and supports college and career awareness initiatives such as FAFSA completion events, scholarship workshops, and test preparation. The position submits reports and updates to the Program Director as required.

Requirements

Bachelors' degree
One to three years of experience working with middle or high school students, college access programs, a youth-serving agency, or a project with similar goals
Knowledge of the operation of a GEAR UP program.
Knowledge of college admissions and financial aid procedures.
Knowledge of successful intervention strategies to meet the needs of high and middle school students.
Knowledge of guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education as stated in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations, 0MB A-121, Federal Register and the approved grant.
Knowledge of established university policies, regulations, and services.
Knowledge of administration and organization of secondary school systems.
Knowledge of the delivery of services for educational outreach programs.
Ability to work independently and to work as a team member of a college access team.
Ability to utilize software and student data systems proficiently.
Ability to counsel/advise youth.
Ability to make sound, feasible decisions in a timely, independent manner.
Ability to assess the needs of middle and high school students.
Ability to design strategies that utilize successful motivational techniques for the participants.
Ability to develop and maintain a positive rapport with target school administration and counselors.
Ability to interpret and apply policies accurately and consistently.
Ability to analyze problems in an objective and consistent manner.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.
Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding student information.
Ability to plan and coordinate educational outreach activities.
Ability to learn and support new and fast-changing technologies for student engagement
Ability to maintain flexibility, exhibit integrity, and exercise mature judgment.
Ability to display interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy while demonstrating exemplary customer service in working with students, parents, staff, and the public.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field required; master's degree preferred.
Three or more years of experience working with middle or high school students, college access programs, youth-serving agencies, or similar projects.

Responsibilities

Manages daily implementation of GEAR UP services at the assigned school site or sites serving Sullivan County.
Supports students, families, and staff by coordinating tutoring, mentoring, college visits, and workshops that promote academic achievement and college readiness.
Coordinates and implements GEAR UP services at the school site or sites to promote student academic achievement, college readiness, and career exploration.
Develops and maintains positive relationships with students, parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators.
Organizes and facilitates tutoring, mentoring, college visits, family workshops, and enrichment activities.
Monitors student academic progress, attendance, and participation in GEAR UP services and maintains accurate records, data, and documentation required for grant compliance and reporting.
Assists with scheduling guest speakers, workshops, and professional development activities.
Communicates regularly with parents or guardians to encourage family involvement in student success.
Collaborates with school staff to integrate GEAR UP services into the academic setting.
Supports college and career awareness initiatives such as FAFSA completion events, scholarship workshops, and test preparation.
Submits reports and updates to the Program Director as required.